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The Christmas Countdown
It’s that time of year again, snowflakes are fluttering and the countdown to Christmas has begun!
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas... She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.
Every day Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?
As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be...
But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?
It’s time to curl up for a delicious Christmas romance about daring to take chances, opening yourself up to love, and being true to who you really are. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Debbie Johnson and Debbie Macomber.
Readers are falling in love with The Christmas Countdown!
Donna Ashcroft was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager. Her first book was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she's escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she's not reading or writing she'll probably be found hoovering... or negotiating with her two teenagers about who is doing the washing up.
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas... She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.
Every day Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?
As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be...
But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?
It’s time to curl up for a delicious Christmas romance about daring to take chances, opening yourself up to love, and being true to who you really are. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Debbie Johnson and Debbie Macomber.
Readers are falling in love with The Christmas Countdown!
Donna Ashcroft was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager. Her first book was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she's escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she's not reading or writing she'll probably be found hoovering... or negotiating with her two teenagers about who is doing the washing up.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2019
719 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 18, 2019
Fun, flirty, and festive! This was a delightful Christmas romance with a bit of a unique twist. Holly is devastated after the two people she trusts the most betray her. Devastated she retreats to the home of her beloved Aunt Clara. Aunt Clara and her fab friends create an advent calendar for Holly to cheer her up and to build her confidence. One of the items on the calendar was to ask out a stranger...enter Finn. This book just put a huge smile on my face! It was so much more than just a Christmas romance. Holly was a great character and I loved seeing her character bloom throughout the course of this book. Aunt Clara was simply amazing, we all need an aunt Clara in our life! I love the friendships and how supportive and willing to help everyone was. This book was the true definition of a feel good holiday read! If you are anything like me and love Christmas stories this is a can’t miss!
This book in emojis: 💔 🎄 ⛄️
This book in emojis: 💔 🎄 ⛄️
I've been picking this one up and putting it down for the past ten days. I am finally just going to call it a DNF. It simply wasn't holding my interest. That cover though, is very cute! 
September 28, 2019
This was a fun, light read which kept the spirit of Christmas shining bright right from September.
Having been hurt by her loved ones, Holly rushed to her Aunt Clara in order to get over the hurt and to find herself. Clara and her gang of girls made her a calendar of tasks to complete until Christmas. Some were quite funny, but each came from a place of love.
Donna Ashcroft's book was warm and kind. It enveloped me into its loving arms, making me smile and laugh. The characters had me closely following them. Holly growth from quietly, capable to lively, outspoken was a sight to behold. It made me cheer. Finn was a contrary companion to her, outwardly outspoken but holding back a secret.
I loved Aunt Clara and the girls, their ideas often had funny results. But each made Holly open up and come out of her shell. It was sweet to see her blossoming. Friendships were made, and romance happened. Each brought a burst of happiness with it.
I wanted Holly to stand up for herself with her family, but perhaps a quiet assertive way ws much better. Overall, the book was sweet and heartwarming like Christmas, filled with cheer and hope. A good breakfast read.
Having been hurt by her loved ones, Holly rushed to her Aunt Clara in order to get over the hurt and to find herself. Clara and her gang of girls made her a calendar of tasks to complete until Christmas. Some were quite funny, but each came from a place of love.
Donna Ashcroft's book was warm and kind. It enveloped me into its loving arms, making me smile and laugh. The characters had me closely following them. Holly growth from quietly, capable to lively, outspoken was a sight to behold. It made me cheer. Finn was a contrary companion to her, outwardly outspoken but holding back a secret.
I loved Aunt Clara and the girls, their ideas often had funny results. But each made Holly open up and come out of her shell. It was sweet to see her blossoming. Friendships were made, and romance happened. Each brought a burst of happiness with it.
I wanted Holly to stand up for herself with her family, but perhaps a quiet assertive way ws much better. Overall, the book was sweet and heartwarming like Christmas, filled with cheer and hope. A good breakfast read.
December 26, 2024
Hmmm. Ich weiss gar nicht so recht, wie ich die Geschichte bewerten soll.
Die Story von Holly und Finn fand ich an sich in Ordnung und es hatte ein paar echt süsse und gute Stellen im Buch. 🎄 Mir gefällt auch die Idee mit dem Aufgaben Adventskalender (um sich selbst zu finden).
Das Ende kam dann doch sehr plötzlich und war irgendwie auch vorhersehbar.
Mein Fazit: Das Buch war ganz okay, konnte mich aber persönlich leider nicht komplett überzeugen.
3 Sterne von mir ⭐️
Die Story von Holly und Finn fand ich an sich in Ordnung und es hatte ein paar echt süsse und gute Stellen im Buch. 🎄 Mir gefällt auch die Idee mit dem Aufgaben Adventskalender (um sich selbst zu finden).
Das Ende kam dann doch sehr plötzlich und war irgendwie auch vorhersehbar.
Mein Fazit: Das Buch war ganz okay, konnte mich aber persönlich leider nicht komplett überzeugen.
3 Sterne von mir ⭐️
November 12, 2019
I have always loved Donna's books and this one didn't disappoint me at all its full of Christmas and counting down in a fun way. To move forward and forget the past and find yourself but also to forge a new future and forgive people. Plenty of romance to and a great festive read which will make you laugh and cry. It's got great characters and well worth a read you will be hooked from the first page.
Holly has been hurt by her boyfriend and her sister badly and she feels she needs to get away so she heads to her aunts house. Her aunt won't let her lay about and be sad at this festive time so she and her friends make an advent Calendar to open each day with a different task and she starts to get into the spirit. She also meets Finn and she doesn't want to fall for him as she's trying to get away from hurt but she can't help herself. Problem is Finn has a troubled past as his partner passed away and he hasn't got over her but they both see each other and can feel love. Problem is when holly realises she's been hurt again by someone she thought she can trust she starts to realise she has to be alone but she also needs to forgive her sister so she heads home and makes things up with her and realises she needs to move away from home and start a new life but she heads back to her aunts for Christmas Day and when she opens the last door of Christmas she gets a surprise but is it a happy one or not and will she be happy with the man she does love can he let go of his past.
Perfect Christmas read.
Holly has been hurt by her boyfriend and her sister badly and she feels she needs to get away so she heads to her aunts house. Her aunt won't let her lay about and be sad at this festive time so she and her friends make an advent Calendar to open each day with a different task and she starts to get into the spirit. She also meets Finn and she doesn't want to fall for him as she's trying to get away from hurt but she can't help herself. Problem is Finn has a troubled past as his partner passed away and he hasn't got over her but they both see each other and can feel love. Problem is when holly realises she's been hurt again by someone she thought she can trust she starts to realise she has to be alone but she also needs to forgive her sister so she heads home and makes things up with her and realises she needs to move away from home and start a new life but she heads back to her aunts for Christmas Day and when she opens the last door of Christmas she gets a surprise but is it a happy one or not and will she be happy with the man she does love can he let go of his past.
Perfect Christmas read.
November 7, 2019
Holly seeks refuge from her cheating boyfriend (with her twin sister!) at her aunts house in the middle of the night. The next morning, on the 1st of December, she is presented with an advent calendar made by her aunt and her gin loving girlfriends. They decided that Holly needs to find herself again and have given her 25 tasks to help her along the way.
I really liked the premise of the book, it reminded me of "PS I love you" a little bit, and the protagonist is even called Holly as well! But the story couldn't totally live up to my high hopes. The tasks seemed a bit random (instead of slowly building up on each other), as if the author just needed opportunities to get Holly together with pub landlord Finn as often as possible.
While I did like both main characters, and we even get to hear Finn's backstory quite a bit, I couldn't 'feel' them as a couple. Maybe it simply all went a bit too fast for my liking. Her very first task from the calendar was asking out a stranger for a date, only mere hours after arriving at Sunflower Island!
Nevertheless, this is a nice Christmas-themed book with a sweet idea (advent calendar).
I really liked the premise of the book, it reminded me of "PS I love you" a little bit, and the protagonist is even called Holly as well! But the story couldn't totally live up to my high hopes. The tasks seemed a bit random (instead of slowly building up on each other), as if the author just needed opportunities to get Holly together with pub landlord Finn as often as possible.
While I did like both main characters, and we even get to hear Finn's backstory quite a bit, I couldn't 'feel' them as a couple. Maybe it simply all went a bit too fast for my liking. Her very first task from the calendar was asking out a stranger for a date, only mere hours after arriving at Sunflower Island!
Nevertheless, this is a nice Christmas-themed book with a sweet idea (advent calendar).
December 21, 2019
This was ok. Nothing really special. It started out really cute, but started to drag halfway through. I wasn't a fan of how quickly the ending was.
October 6, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Holly Devine is beside herself. She was at a Christmas party and when she saw her twin sister kissing her boyfriend, she all but lost it. Holly flew to her aunt Clara’s cottage planning to spend time with her in order to deal with the angst.
Not only is Holly’s aunt more than supportive, everyone else in the town is just as encouraging. One person in particular, Finn Jackson, might be just the man that Holly might need. She initially thinks that a single date with him, among other changes, might help her to feel better. Things start to look much brighter for both of them.
Holly sets up some challenges and Finn is right there for the journey. But there is something that is blocking their joy. Will Holly find the happiness that she thought was right there for the taking? Could it be that Holly and Finn have a future? Or will Holly have to give this relationship up too?
This is a delightful seasonal story. It is one filled with joy and second chances, but also one a self-examination and discovery that was handled quite well. I was touched by Holly and Finn and their story really warmed my heart. This is my third read by Donna Ashcroft and each time I pick up one of her books I know I am in for a treat. She certainly proved that to be true with The Christmas Countdown.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Holly Devine is beside herself. She was at a Christmas party and when she saw her twin sister kissing her boyfriend, she all but lost it. Holly flew to her aunt Clara’s cottage planning to spend time with her in order to deal with the angst.
Not only is Holly’s aunt more than supportive, everyone else in the town is just as encouraging. One person in particular, Finn Jackson, might be just the man that Holly might need. She initially thinks that a single date with him, among other changes, might help her to feel better. Things start to look much brighter for both of them.
Holly sets up some challenges and Finn is right there for the journey. But there is something that is blocking their joy. Will Holly find the happiness that she thought was right there for the taking? Could it be that Holly and Finn have a future? Or will Holly have to give this relationship up too?
This is a delightful seasonal story. It is one filled with joy and second chances, but also one a self-examination and discovery that was handled quite well. I was touched by Holly and Finn and their story really warmed my heart. This is my third read by Donna Ashcroft and each time I pick up one of her books I know I am in for a treat. She certainly proved that to be true with The Christmas Countdown.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
September 20, 2019
I have been trying to whittle down the number of books I request for review as my list of books owned, but unread, was getting too high for my comfort levels!
However...I simply couldn't resist a Donna Ashcroft book, I have read all of her other works and she hasn't let me down yet and the success train continues as this was a blissfully sweet story.
I'm a huge fan of the characters on the whole and there are hidden messages throughout that I can resonate with. We also got snippets of some previous characters and whilst nothing in-depth it was nice to be reunited with some old friends.
Some laughs (with Holly's grandmother's WI clan) and lots of cosy days/nights reading this are guaranteed. It was a lovely light-hearted read that I didn't feel was overly festive and so was very easy to read as we head into the dark autumnal evenings.
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
However...I simply couldn't resist a Donna Ashcroft book, I have read all of her other works and she hasn't let me down yet and the success train continues as this was a blissfully sweet story.
I'm a huge fan of the characters on the whole and there are hidden messages throughout that I can resonate with. We also got snippets of some previous characters and whilst nothing in-depth it was nice to be reunited with some old friends.
Some laughs (with Holly's grandmother's WI clan) and lots of cosy days/nights reading this are guaranteed. It was a lovely light-hearted read that I didn't feel was overly festive and so was very easy to read as we head into the dark autumnal evenings.
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2019
Dull story. There is no tension.
The plot is fine: girl runs away to her aunt on idillic island to get away from cheating boyfriend. Aunt thinks of a way to give girl back her self-confidence (through an advent calendar filled with tasks).
But there was no build up; all the plot points were quickly resolved. From one conversation to the next the characters saw what they had been doing wrong. That made for a rather boring read and made it hard to engage with any of the characters.
I'm docking a full star for Holly overreacting when Finn had not opened the suitcase when he said to her he had. The man has been avoiding dealing with his grief for five years. Did she really think he was going to sort it all out the night she unlocked the suitcase for him? And she's supposed to be this deep and understanding creature?
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
The plot is fine: girl runs away to her aunt on idillic island to get away from cheating boyfriend. Aunt thinks of a way to give girl back her self-confidence (through an advent calendar filled with tasks).
But there was no build up; all the plot points were quickly resolved. From one conversation to the next the characters saw what they had been doing wrong. That made for a rather boring read and made it hard to engage with any of the characters.
I'm docking a full star for Holly overreacting when Finn had not opened the suitcase when he said to her he had. The man has been avoiding dealing with his grief for five years. Did she really think he was going to sort it all out the night she unlocked the suitcase for him? And she's supposed to be this deep and understanding creature?
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
December 19, 2019
I was looking forward to "The Christmas Countdown" because I really liked the premise of Hollys personal advent calendar and I was hoping for an enjoyable Christmas read.
Unfortunately I didn't like most of the tasks Holly had to do daily and they seemed very random to me. Some of them might have helped her finding herself but to be honest I expected more from this advent calendar. I was also expecting them to be bit more Christmas related. Alltogether the Christmassy atmosphere was really weak to me and I had some higher expectations from a book which is called "The Christmas Countdown".
While I liked Holly and was interested in her life and the troubles with her sister, I couldn't really connect with Finn. I found him way too perfect and boring, despite his sad past with his ex. I also couldn't feel the connection between him and Holly. I had the feeling the love story was way too rushed and the drama to the end was very childish.
Overall this book was an enjoyable read but still leaves me a bit disappointed.
Unfortunately I didn't like most of the tasks Holly had to do daily and they seemed very random to me. Some of them might have helped her finding herself but to be honest I expected more from this advent calendar. I was also expecting them to be bit more Christmas related. Alltogether the Christmassy atmosphere was really weak to me and I had some higher expectations from a book which is called "The Christmas Countdown".
While I liked Holly and was interested in her life and the troubles with her sister, I couldn't really connect with Finn. I found him way too perfect and boring, despite his sad past with his ex. I also couldn't feel the connection between him and Holly. I had the feeling the love story was way too rushed and the drama to the end was very childish.
Overall this book was an enjoyable read but still leaves me a bit disappointed.
December 8, 2021
Auf dieses Buch freue ich mich seit letztem Jahr und so musste es eines der ersten Bücher sein. Ich mag das Cover, es stimmt mich richtig weihnachtlich. Auch die Geschichte dahinter ist einfach nur zauberhaft. Alles was mit selbstgemachten Adventskalender zu tun hat find ich gut. Es ist vielschichtiger, man lernt die Charaktere einfach besser kennen und kann sich dann noch besser reinfühlen. An mein Weihnachtslieblingsbuch vom letzten Jahr reicht es nicht ran, aber es ist schon nahe dran. Ich mochte den Schreibstil. Er war leicht humorig und leicht zu lesen.
4,5 Sterne
4,5 Sterne
December 20, 2021
I found the female protagonist to be whiny and not at all interesting.
December 23, 2021
Meine Mutter hat mir das Buch zum Nikolaus geschenkt, weil sie weiß, wie sehr ich weihnachtliche Liebesromane liebe und mit „24 Küsse bis Weihnachten“ hat sie echt eine gute Wahl getroffen.
Mit Holly als Protagonistin bin ich am Anfang nicht ganz warm geworden, weil sie absolut verloren wirkt. Sie weiß nicht, was sie will oder wer sie ist, versucht dauernd wie ihre Schwester zu sein und das zu lesen, war unglaublich frustrierend. Aber sie macht eine Entwicklung durch und wenn sie sich findet, ist sie eine tolle Figur, die voll von Leidenschaft und Gefühl ist.
Finn war mir da schon sympathischer, wobei er auch etwas unnahbares an sich hat, weil er niemand an sich heranlässt. Doch sobald man seine Hintergrundgeschichte erfährt, versteht man seinen Charakter viel besser und ich fand ihn echt toll. Flirty, witzig und doch ganz sensibel.
Er und Holly hatten eine schöne Chemie und ich mochte vor allem ihre Gespräche sehr.
Die Idee mit dem Adventskalender fand ich originell und ich habe mich dabei erwischt, wie ich selbst mitgeraten habe, welche Aufgaben auf Holly warten. Manchmal haben sie für mich nichts viel Sinn ergeben, wie dann auch die Handlung, aber das hatte sich schnell gelöst und ich war wieder komplett von der Geschichte gefesselt.
Die Geschichte der Nebencharaktere hatte mich überraschenderweise auch sehr gepackt, da ich die ganzen Figuren sehr sympathisch und herzlich fand.
„24 Küsse bis Weihnachten“ ist eine weihnachtliche und romantische Geschichte, die zwar sehr vorhersehbar ist, aber gerade durch tolle Charaktere überzeugt.
Ich kann euch die Geschichte auf jeden Fall empfehlen, wenn ihr auf der Suche nach einer guten "Weihnachtskitsch"-Geschichte seid.
October 7, 2019
The past several years have been rough for Holly, in fact, since her mother died and she returned home to help out after university and support her twin sister and father, things have been downright difficult. Before the death, both Holly and her sister Lily were outgoing individuals, happily pursuing their own interests, yet inevitably close as sisters and twins could be. But after her mother’s death, Lily’s need for the spotlight and all the attention expanded tenfold, and in order to ‘keep the peace’ Holly simply moved into the background. Faded. Lost her own sense of self and direction. But, when she found her boyfriend of several months and her sister in a passionate kiss, she fled to her Aunt Clara’s house – to lick her wounds and decide her next move. Planning to stay through Christmas and not interested in speaking to her sister or anyone else, Holly arrived, tear stained and broken, needing nothing more than comfort and a place to heal.
Clara, however, has other ideas. Always had. Always will. She’s more practical about relationships, if a bit eccentric, and knows that Holly needs a place to regroup, but also that she needs to separate herself from her twin sister, her commitments, and find out what she truly wants from life. From a gin-fueled welcome with the women of the WI, to a series of tasks on a handmade advent calendar that are designed to make Holly step out of her box and start to find her own feet – the adventure begins. Especially when she meet Finn, a local boy and heartbreaker – big flirt, home to recover and remove himself from his own loss. Determined to not be attached to anyone, Finn’s reputation is far more ‘dangerous’ than he is himself – he’s a flirt, yet, but a kind one with a good word for everyone but himself, a knack for avoiding his mother’s well-meaning interference, and a great sounding board for his newest employee.
Like the other Ashcroft novels I’ve read – her characters are so real they breathe in the pages, bring new life and empathy to their situations – even when you want to shake them to make them see what’s really there. These two are so caught up in their own struggles and issues that while they ‘see’ each other and are attracted, they don’t SEE just how much better they feel, or are, when the other is around. Fortunately, neither is a total blockhead, and before the silence can come between them and their budding relationship, both have done some serious thinking and realized their truth- life is good, but will be better together. A lovely story full of hope and healing and perfect for the Christmas season.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Clara, however, has other ideas. Always had. Always will. She’s more practical about relationships, if a bit eccentric, and knows that Holly needs a place to regroup, but also that she needs to separate herself from her twin sister, her commitments, and find out what she truly wants from life. From a gin-fueled welcome with the women of the WI, to a series of tasks on a handmade advent calendar that are designed to make Holly step out of her box and start to find her own feet – the adventure begins. Especially when she meet Finn, a local boy and heartbreaker – big flirt, home to recover and remove himself from his own loss. Determined to not be attached to anyone, Finn’s reputation is far more ‘dangerous’ than he is himself – he’s a flirt, yet, but a kind one with a good word for everyone but himself, a knack for avoiding his mother’s well-meaning interference, and a great sounding board for his newest employee.
Like the other Ashcroft novels I’ve read – her characters are so real they breathe in the pages, bring new life and empathy to their situations – even when you want to shake them to make them see what’s really there. These two are so caught up in their own struggles and issues that while they ‘see’ each other and are attracted, they don’t SEE just how much better they feel, or are, when the other is around. Fortunately, neither is a total blockhead, and before the silence can come between them and their budding relationship, both have done some serious thinking and realized their truth- life is good, but will be better together. A lovely story full of hope and healing and perfect for the Christmas season.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
October 9, 2021
Rezension
Buchname: 24 Küsse bis Weihnachten
Autor: Donna Ashcroft
Seiten: 352 (Print)
Fromat: als Print und Ebook erhältlich
Verlag: Heyne Verlag; Deutsche Erstausgabe Edition (13. September 2021)
Sterne: 4
Cover:
Das Cover ist richtig schön gestaltet worden. Der Buchtitel steht in hellen bzw rotfarbenen Buchstaben im mittleren/oberen Bereich. Man kann ein Pärchen in einen Winterwonderland erkennen. .. Auf dem ersten Blick ist das schon mal sehr ansprechend.
Klappentext: (aus Amazon übernommen)
Wenn die Schneeflocken fallen, ist es Zeit, das erste Türchen zu öffnen und dich zu verlieben
Holly Devines Herz wurde gebrochen und das ausgerechnet von ihrer Zwillingsschwester und ihrem Freund. Völlig aufgelöst flieht sie zu ihrer Tante, die in einem gemütlichen Cottage auf einer kleinen Kanalinsel lebt. Der perfekte Ort, um sich vor der Welt zu verkriechen. Doch Tante Clara hat eine bessere Idee. Mit ihren Freundinnen bastelt sie für Holly einen ganz besonderen Adventskalender. Hinter jeder Tür verbirgt sich eine Aufgabe. Erstes Türchen: Holly muss sich ein Date suchen! Der attraktive Inhaber des Pubs, Finn Jackson, scheint genau der Richtige. Schon bald kann Holly wieder lachen. Doch wird es ihr auch gelingen, alle Aufgaben bis Weihnachten zu erfüllen und die Liebe wieder in ihr Leben zu lassen?
Schreibstil:
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist total flüssig, liest sich super und ist sehr leicht verständlich.
Charaktere:
Die Hauptprotagonistin ist Holly
Der Hauptprotagonist ist Finn
Ich fande alle Charaktere von Anfang an total sympathisch und liebenswert. Des weiteren gibt es noch ein paar andere Charaktere. . Meiner Meinung nach sind alle Charakter sehr gelungen und haben einen sehr guten Platz im Buch bekommen.
Meinung:
!!!! Achtung !!! Könnte Spoiler erhalten!!!
Mir hat „24 Küsse bis Weihnachten“ echt gut gefallen. Habe ich eigentlich schon mal erzählt wie sehr ich Geschichten bzw Bücher liebe, die im Winter oder über die Weihnachtszeit spielen. Winter und Weihnachten sind meine absolute Lieblingsjahreszeit. Ich persönlich fande Holly und Finn sehr sympathisch und auch authentisch dargestellt. Meiner Meinung nach, hat das gesamte Paket gepasst. Das ganze Setting war wunderbar winterlich bzw weihnachtlich dargestellt. Tolle Lovestory, tolle Charaktere, und die richtige Menge an Emotionen. Mir hat das Buch ganz gut gefallen. Obwohl es auch ein bisschen vorhersehbar war. Ich hatte ein paar sehr schöne Lesestunden. Das Buch war meiner Meinung nach auch noch sehr leicht zu lesen, deshalb bin ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen. Ich kann das Buch echt nur jedem Winterfan empfehlen. Deshalb bekommt das „24 Küsse bis Weihnachten“ sehr verdiente 4 Sterne und eine klare Leseempfehlung.
Buchname: 24 Küsse bis Weihnachten
Autor: Donna Ashcroft
Seiten: 352 (Print)
Fromat: als Print und Ebook erhältlich
Verlag: Heyne Verlag; Deutsche Erstausgabe Edition (13. September 2021)
Sterne: 4
Cover:
Das Cover ist richtig schön gestaltet worden. Der Buchtitel steht in hellen bzw rotfarbenen Buchstaben im mittleren/oberen Bereich. Man kann ein Pärchen in einen Winterwonderland erkennen. .. Auf dem ersten Blick ist das schon mal sehr ansprechend.
Klappentext: (aus Amazon übernommen)
Wenn die Schneeflocken fallen, ist es Zeit, das erste Türchen zu öffnen und dich zu verlieben
Holly Devines Herz wurde gebrochen und das ausgerechnet von ihrer Zwillingsschwester und ihrem Freund. Völlig aufgelöst flieht sie zu ihrer Tante, die in einem gemütlichen Cottage auf einer kleinen Kanalinsel lebt. Der perfekte Ort, um sich vor der Welt zu verkriechen. Doch Tante Clara hat eine bessere Idee. Mit ihren Freundinnen bastelt sie für Holly einen ganz besonderen Adventskalender. Hinter jeder Tür verbirgt sich eine Aufgabe. Erstes Türchen: Holly muss sich ein Date suchen! Der attraktive Inhaber des Pubs, Finn Jackson, scheint genau der Richtige. Schon bald kann Holly wieder lachen. Doch wird es ihr auch gelingen, alle Aufgaben bis Weihnachten zu erfüllen und die Liebe wieder in ihr Leben zu lassen?
Schreibstil:
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist total flüssig, liest sich super und ist sehr leicht verständlich.
Charaktere:
Die Hauptprotagonistin ist Holly
Der Hauptprotagonist ist Finn
Ich fande alle Charaktere von Anfang an total sympathisch und liebenswert. Des weiteren gibt es noch ein paar andere Charaktere. . Meiner Meinung nach sind alle Charakter sehr gelungen und haben einen sehr guten Platz im Buch bekommen.
Meinung:
!!!! Achtung !!! Könnte Spoiler erhalten!!!
Mir hat „24 Küsse bis Weihnachten“ echt gut gefallen. Habe ich eigentlich schon mal erzählt wie sehr ich Geschichten bzw Bücher liebe, die im Winter oder über die Weihnachtszeit spielen. Winter und Weihnachten sind meine absolute Lieblingsjahreszeit. Ich persönlich fande Holly und Finn sehr sympathisch und auch authentisch dargestellt. Meiner Meinung nach, hat das gesamte Paket gepasst. Das ganze Setting war wunderbar winterlich bzw weihnachtlich dargestellt. Tolle Lovestory, tolle Charaktere, und die richtige Menge an Emotionen. Mir hat das Buch ganz gut gefallen. Obwohl es auch ein bisschen vorhersehbar war. Ich hatte ein paar sehr schöne Lesestunden. Das Buch war meiner Meinung nach auch noch sehr leicht zu lesen, deshalb bin ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen. Ich kann das Buch echt nur jedem Winterfan empfehlen. Deshalb bekommt das „24 Küsse bis Weihnachten“ sehr verdiente 4 Sterne und eine klare Leseempfehlung.
January 27, 2022
Das Buch war echt mega süß. Die Weihnachtsstimmung war unbeschreiblich schön und ich habe mich pudelwohl gefühlt. Die Umsetzung des Adventskalender war sehr schön durch dacht und hätte ich es wirklich durch die Weihnachtszeit gelesen, hätte es vielleicht sogar die 5 Sterne gegeben. Leider muss ich sagen, dass mir das Alles mit Hollys Schwester etwas zu viel wurde und es manchmal nur noch um sie ging. Sonst ein sehr schönes Buch❤️
December 31, 2021
Mit 24 Küsse bis Weihnachten bekommt man einen sehr schönen winterlichen und seichten Liebesroman, der viel Witz hat. Ich hatte zwar einige Kritikpunkte, aber alles in allem hat mir das Buch beim Lesen Spaß gemacht und das ist für mich die Hauptsache. Also mein Fazit an dieser Stelle ist, dass der Roman super in winterliche Leseplanungen passt und nicht nur zu Weihnachten die Zeit versüßen kann.
December 16, 2020
I got this book for free on a daily deal and I’m glad I didn’t spend my money on it. That’s not to say that this is a bad book. I had fun while I was reading it. I just don’t think that this author’s writing style is for me. On top of that, there were two pretty subpar sex scenes that didn’t feel like they added to the plot in a significant way. The first sex scene I could almost forgive because it helped make the love interest realize his feelings and start to push her away. But my problem with that scene has more to do with the fact that they had some pretty bland sex and both acted like it was the most mind-blowing thing they’ve ever experienced.
But the subpar sex isn’t really my main gripe with the book. I think the author needed to expand on the world building and build up the holiday spirit. This story is supposed to take place throughout the month of December and is about an advent calendar and somehow there was hardly any Christmas involved. How is that even possible? Christmas is my favorite holiday so maybe it’s just me wishing this was more like a Hallmark Christmas movie. That’s always possible.
I found the main love interest to be a very well written character which was surprising because I felt like the main character herself was kind of bland. I think the main thing going for our MC is that she is such a kind hearted person who likes looking out for other people. There’s also a subplot involving a couple of side characters that I thought was cute but it took up more of the story than I would have expected.
Overall, I think it is a cute December/Winter story if you aren’t overly in love with Christmas the way some of us are. It has a lot of cute moments between family and friends that was super sweet to read.
But the subpar sex isn’t really my main gripe with the book. I think the author needed to expand on the world building and build up the holiday spirit. This story is supposed to take place throughout the month of December and is about an advent calendar and somehow there was hardly any Christmas involved. How is that even possible? Christmas is my favorite holiday so maybe it’s just me wishing this was more like a Hallmark Christmas movie. That’s always possible.
I found the main love interest to be a very well written character which was surprising because I felt like the main character herself was kind of bland. I think the main thing going for our MC is that she is such a kind hearted person who likes looking out for other people. There’s also a subplot involving a couple of side characters that I thought was cute but it took up more of the story than I would have expected.
Overall, I think it is a cute December/Winter story if you aren’t overly in love with Christmas the way some of us are. It has a lot of cute moments between family and friends that was super sweet to read.
December 21, 2020
Cozy, romantic and touching
My heart is filled with love for this book! Finn and Holly are both lost...grieving and hurt....when they meet. I was completely swept away by their story, as Holly found her true self, and Finn allowed his heart to let her in. Cozy, romantic, funny, poignant and touching.
My heart is filled with love for this book! Finn and Holly are both lost...grieving and hurt....when they meet. I was completely swept away by their story, as Holly found her true self, and Finn allowed his heart to let her in. Cozy, romantic, funny, poignant and touching.
November 23, 2023
2,5/5 ⭐
Ziemlich anstrengend Hauptprotagonisten...
Ziemlich anstrengend Hauptprotagonisten...
December 23, 2024
Süße Geschichte mit netten Charakteren, nur das Ende war total übertrieben.
November 27, 2021
Nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter, lebt Holly Devine im Schatten ihrer Zwillingsschwester. Als diese sie dann auch noch mit Hollys Freund betrogen hat, ist ihr Herz endgültig zerbrochen. Um sich selbst zu finden und wieder zu heilen, fährt Holly zu ihrer Tante Clara. Jedoch hat sie nicht damit gerechnet, dass Clara eine ganz besondere Idee für sie hat. Denn Clara und ihre Freundinnen haben für Holly einen Adventskalender gebastelt. Hinter jedem Türchen versteckt sich eine Aufgabe, die Holly erledigen und bei ihrer Selbstfindung weiter helfen soll…
Ich habe dieses Buch als Rezensionsexemplar vom Bloggerportal erhalten, vielen Dank dafür! Das beeinflusst jedoch in keiner Weise meine Meinung! Ich bin total neugierig auf dieses Buch geworden, als ich das Cover gesehen habe. Es ist wunderschön und der Klappentext, sowie der Inhalt haben nur bestätigt, dass das Cover einfach hinreißend ist. Allein die kleinen Glitzerpartikel gefallen mir sehr gut.
Diese Idee mit dem Adventskalender hat mir total gut gefallen und mich in seinen Bann ziehen können. Diese Geschichte hat etwas Besonderes an sich. Sie sorgt dafür, dass man über sein eigenes Verhalten nachdenkt und guckt, was einem in seinem Leben nicht mehr gut tut. Aber auf der anderen Seite regt es zum Nachdenken an. Sie ist berührend und emotional.
Holly hat mich mit ihrer Geschichte sehr berührt. Sie steht immer wieder im Schatten ihrer Schwester Lucinda und traut sich nicht raus aus ihrem Schneckenhaus. Doch zum Glück gibt es da Clara, Hollys Tante, die ihr dabei hilft aus dem Schatten herauszukommen. Die Autorin hat dies sehr authentisch dargestellt und dafür gesorgt, dass man beginnt über sein eigenes Leben nachzudenken. Hollys Entwicklung in diesem Buch ist gigantisch und ich bin ganz froh darüber, dass ich sie auf diesem Weg begleiten durfte. Ich habe mich gut mit ihr identifizieren können und auch ihre Handlungen nachempfinden.
Finn hat auch einen schweren Schicksalsschlag hinter sich, unter dem er immer noch leidet. Seine Geschichte hat mich sehr berührt und ich konnte gut nachvollziehen, warum er so handelt. Seine Eltern hingegen mag ich total gerne. Gerade seine Mutter ist immer für ihn da und unterstützt ihn, wo sie nur kann. Und es war so schön, dass die Mutter immer wieder dran geblieben ist, damit Finn endlich sein Happy End finden und seine Vergangenheit verarbeiten kann.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist neu für mich, jedoch mag ich ihn echt gerne. Sie hat hier eine wunderschöne Atmosphäre geschaffen, die ich nicht mehr missen möchte. Donna Ashcroft schreibt locker, leicht und flüssig und fesselt den Leser somit an die Seiten des Buches. Ich habe das Buch total schnell beenden können.
,,24 Küsse bis Weihnachten‘‘ hat mich total überzeugen können. Die Insel und die ganzen Nebencharaktere haben das Buch perfekt gemacht. Sie haben die Geschichte total gut ergänzen können. Die Hauptidee wurde auch gut umgesetzt und ich liebe diese Idee. Ich hätte auch sehr gerne so einen Adventskalender, der könnt mir echt helfen. Außerdem bin ich sehr glücklich darüber, dass die beiden wieder einen Weg zueinander gefunden haben.
Ich habe dieses Buch als Rezensionsexemplar vom Bloggerportal erhalten, vielen Dank dafür! Das beeinflusst jedoch in keiner Weise meine Meinung! Ich bin total neugierig auf dieses Buch geworden, als ich das Cover gesehen habe. Es ist wunderschön und der Klappentext, sowie der Inhalt haben nur bestätigt, dass das Cover einfach hinreißend ist. Allein die kleinen Glitzerpartikel gefallen mir sehr gut.
Diese Idee mit dem Adventskalender hat mir total gut gefallen und mich in seinen Bann ziehen können. Diese Geschichte hat etwas Besonderes an sich. Sie sorgt dafür, dass man über sein eigenes Verhalten nachdenkt und guckt, was einem in seinem Leben nicht mehr gut tut. Aber auf der anderen Seite regt es zum Nachdenken an. Sie ist berührend und emotional.
Holly hat mich mit ihrer Geschichte sehr berührt. Sie steht immer wieder im Schatten ihrer Schwester Lucinda und traut sich nicht raus aus ihrem Schneckenhaus. Doch zum Glück gibt es da Clara, Hollys Tante, die ihr dabei hilft aus dem Schatten herauszukommen. Die Autorin hat dies sehr authentisch dargestellt und dafür gesorgt, dass man beginnt über sein eigenes Leben nachzudenken. Hollys Entwicklung in diesem Buch ist gigantisch und ich bin ganz froh darüber, dass ich sie auf diesem Weg begleiten durfte. Ich habe mich gut mit ihr identifizieren können und auch ihre Handlungen nachempfinden.
Finn hat auch einen schweren Schicksalsschlag hinter sich, unter dem er immer noch leidet. Seine Geschichte hat mich sehr berührt und ich konnte gut nachvollziehen, warum er so handelt. Seine Eltern hingegen mag ich total gerne. Gerade seine Mutter ist immer für ihn da und unterstützt ihn, wo sie nur kann. Und es war so schön, dass die Mutter immer wieder dran geblieben ist, damit Finn endlich sein Happy End finden und seine Vergangenheit verarbeiten kann.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist neu für mich, jedoch mag ich ihn echt gerne. Sie hat hier eine wunderschöne Atmosphäre geschaffen, die ich nicht mehr missen möchte. Donna Ashcroft schreibt locker, leicht und flüssig und fesselt den Leser somit an die Seiten des Buches. Ich habe das Buch total schnell beenden können.
,,24 Küsse bis Weihnachten‘‘ hat mich total überzeugen können. Die Insel und die ganzen Nebencharaktere haben das Buch perfekt gemacht. Sie haben die Geschichte total gut ergänzen können. Die Hauptidee wurde auch gut umgesetzt und ich liebe diese Idee. Ich hätte auch sehr gerne so einen Adventskalender, der könnt mir echt helfen. Außerdem bin ich sehr glücklich darüber, dass die beiden wieder einen Weg zueinander gefunden haben.
November 2, 2019
The Christmas countdownBy Donna Ashcroft is the perfect Book to get you into the spirit of Christmas. This is the 2nd book of Donna Ashcroft’s I’ve read and again it did not disappoint.
It’s that time of year again, snowflakes are fluttering and the countdown to Christmas has begun! Holly Devine is returning to the only place that feels like home, hoping that some festive magic will help to turn her life around…
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas… She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.
Every day in December, Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?
As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be…
But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?
I literally didn't want to put it down once I'd started it and I finished it in one sitting. The characters are likeable and you get thoroughly caught up in the story as it unfolds. This is a heartwarming holiday read and I'll definitely be reading more by this author.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s that time of year again, snowflakes are fluttering and the countdown to Christmas has begun! Holly Devine is returning to the only place that feels like home, hoping that some festive magic will help to turn her life around…
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas… She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.
Every day in December, Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?
As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be…
But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?
I literally didn't want to put it down once I'd started it and I finished it in one sitting. The characters are likeable and you get thoroughly caught up in the story as it unfolds. This is a heartwarming holiday read and I'll definitely be reading more by this author.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2019
4 Stars
This was a really fun read. A lot of other reviewers said it was “flirty”. I am not sure that it the right description. I am going to say fun and intense, because when it wasn’t fun and exciting it was mega intense. The characters worked through a lot of issues in this. I am not sure either of them was really ready for a committed relationship when the book began.
The whole Advent Calendar thing was inventive and really got Holly out of her comfort zone. I think it is easy to get into the same mindset as Holly had in this book. You keep putting off until tomorrow to deal with things and suddenly not dealing with things becomes the norm. Holly really needed to confront her sister about stealing her boyfriend. And truly, what does it say about the boyfriend that he didn’t end one relationship before starting a new one? What a dud he turned out to be. I loved the addition of Holly’s Aunt Clara. What a hoot she was. I wish there had been more scenes with her in a more prominent role.
There is a big scene where the two of them (Finn and Holly) realize they really like each other and move into the “making love” phase. Suddenly, Finn is uncomfortable about being that “real” with Holly. His reaction seemed so odd to me. I was surprised the mountain between them didn’t grow even more. A lot of the conflicts like these seemed so easily remedied once the character focused on the issue. I wish there had been a bit more struggle to regain what they really wanted in life. I don’t always need a book wrapped up in a big bow when it ends. But a happily ever after scenario is always appreciated.
The intenseness of this book was remedied by the fun and exciting Advent Calendar Countdown and I found it to be an overall great read. If you love your romance with a bit of trial, definitely check this book out! You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This was a really fun read. A lot of other reviewers said it was “flirty”. I am not sure that it the right description. I am going to say fun and intense, because when it wasn’t fun and exciting it was mega intense. The characters worked through a lot of issues in this. I am not sure either of them was really ready for a committed relationship when the book began.
The whole Advent Calendar thing was inventive and really got Holly out of her comfort zone. I think it is easy to get into the same mindset as Holly had in this book. You keep putting off until tomorrow to deal with things and suddenly not dealing with things becomes the norm. Holly really needed to confront her sister about stealing her boyfriend. And truly, what does it say about the boyfriend that he didn’t end one relationship before starting a new one? What a dud he turned out to be. I loved the addition of Holly’s Aunt Clara. What a hoot she was. I wish there had been more scenes with her in a more prominent role.
There is a big scene where the two of them (Finn and Holly) realize they really like each other and move into the “making love” phase. Suddenly, Finn is uncomfortable about being that “real” with Holly. His reaction seemed so odd to me. I was surprised the mountain between them didn’t grow even more. A lot of the conflicts like these seemed so easily remedied once the character focused on the issue. I wish there had been a bit more struggle to regain what they really wanted in life. I don’t always need a book wrapped up in a big bow when it ends. But a happily ever after scenario is always appreciated.
The intenseness of this book was remedied by the fun and exciting Advent Calendar Countdown and I found it to be an overall great read. If you love your romance with a bit of trial, definitely check this book out! You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 17, 2021
Zum Inhalt verweise ich auf den Klappentext oder ggf Leseprobe
Ich kannte von der Autorin bisher nur ihre englischsprachigen Bücher und war begeistert, dass es jetzt auch endlich eins auf Deutsch gibt.
Es ist eine Geschichte, die sehr berührt, sehr tiefgehend ist, auch den Leser zum Nachdenken anregt. Am Anfang und Ende des Buches befinden sich Ausschnitte der Aufgaben aus dem Kalender, die zum Nachdenken anregen.
Mir gefiel die Idee der Geschichte, ja, es gibt sie sicherlich vom Plot her gefühlte x mal, aber es kommt ja immer auf die Umsetzung an und die fand ich absolut gelungen.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und sehr angenehm zu lesen, sei es im Deutschen oder Englischem. Ich mag die Leichtigkeit, mit der die Autorin aber trotzdem der Geschichte eine Tiefe gibt. Dazu die bildliche Schreibweise, so dass ein tolles Kopfkino entsteht.
Was anfangs nur widerwillig von Holly angenommen wird und von Finn als Spaß angesehen wird, entwickelt sich für Beide zu einer Reise zu sich selbst und der Liebe. Ich mochte die Kreativität der Aufgaben, die sich Clara und ihre Freundinnen ausgedacht haben und vor allem, wie Holly die Aufgaben angegangen ist und gelöst hat. Sie muss sich der Vergangenheit stellen, die auch weh tun kann, sich ihren Ängsten und Zweifeln stellen. Findet aber auch ihre Hoffnung, Freude und Lebensmut wieder. Neue Freundschaften kommen hinzu, aber auch alte Freundschaften und der Zusammenhalt, sowohl in der Freundschaft, wie auch familiär stehen hier im Vordergrund. Auch Vertrauen ist hier ein wichtiges Thema. Denn auch Finn hat mit seiner Vergangenheit zu kämpfen und muss sich ihr stellen.
Die Emotionen kommen sehr gut rüber dabei und ich hab so mitgelitten und gelacht. Es ist eine Vielfalt an Emotionen. Dazu kommt eine schöne Portion Humor.
Die Charaktere haben eine tolle Tiefe, sind authentisch und sympathisch. Hollys Entwicklung zu verfolgen hat mir wahnsinnig viel Spaß gemacht. Aber auch die Nebencharaktere haben hier ihren Anteil, sind nicht nur Statisten, sondern füllen die Geschichte mit Leben.
Ganz klare Leseempfehlung ❤
Ich kannte von der Autorin bisher nur ihre englischsprachigen Bücher und war begeistert, dass es jetzt auch endlich eins auf Deutsch gibt.
Es ist eine Geschichte, die sehr berührt, sehr tiefgehend ist, auch den Leser zum Nachdenken anregt. Am Anfang und Ende des Buches befinden sich Ausschnitte der Aufgaben aus dem Kalender, die zum Nachdenken anregen.
Mir gefiel die Idee der Geschichte, ja, es gibt sie sicherlich vom Plot her gefühlte x mal, aber es kommt ja immer auf die Umsetzung an und die fand ich absolut gelungen.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und sehr angenehm zu lesen, sei es im Deutschen oder Englischem. Ich mag die Leichtigkeit, mit der die Autorin aber trotzdem der Geschichte eine Tiefe gibt. Dazu die bildliche Schreibweise, so dass ein tolles Kopfkino entsteht.
Was anfangs nur widerwillig von Holly angenommen wird und von Finn als Spaß angesehen wird, entwickelt sich für Beide zu einer Reise zu sich selbst und der Liebe. Ich mochte die Kreativität der Aufgaben, die sich Clara und ihre Freundinnen ausgedacht haben und vor allem, wie Holly die Aufgaben angegangen ist und gelöst hat. Sie muss sich der Vergangenheit stellen, die auch weh tun kann, sich ihren Ängsten und Zweifeln stellen. Findet aber auch ihre Hoffnung, Freude und Lebensmut wieder. Neue Freundschaften kommen hinzu, aber auch alte Freundschaften und der Zusammenhalt, sowohl in der Freundschaft, wie auch familiär stehen hier im Vordergrund. Auch Vertrauen ist hier ein wichtiges Thema. Denn auch Finn hat mit seiner Vergangenheit zu kämpfen und muss sich ihr stellen.
Die Emotionen kommen sehr gut rüber dabei und ich hab so mitgelitten und gelacht. Es ist eine Vielfalt an Emotionen. Dazu kommt eine schöne Portion Humor.
Die Charaktere haben eine tolle Tiefe, sind authentisch und sympathisch. Hollys Entwicklung zu verfolgen hat mir wahnsinnig viel Spaß gemacht. Aber auch die Nebencharaktere haben hier ihren Anteil, sind nicht nur Statisten, sondern füllen die Geschichte mit Leben.
Ganz klare Leseempfehlung ❤
October 8, 2019
After her mother died Holly became the anchor for her dad and twin sister and in the aftermath lost the essence of herself to become want they both needed to get through the tragedy. At 27, the sisters lived together and worked for their dad. When Holly sees her boyfriend and sister together, it breaks her heart, even more so because Christmas is just around the corner too. Holly retreats to the safety of her eccentric Aunt Clara and her cosy cottage.
Aunt Clara is quite a character who along with her merry band of gin drinking accomplices, sets about to give Holly a much-needed self-esteem boost. As dreaded December arrives for Holly so does a special advent calendar from her Aunt. Each day brings a new challenge for Holly, the first is to ask out a complete stranger.
I must admit that I was quite giddy reading some of these chapters and the challenges that Holly had to take on as it was lovely to see how each day she found another piece of herself that had got lost after her mum died. Of course, it isn't just about putting her back together how she was, it is giving her confidence to take a leap of faith too into a future she doesn't yet know.
I really liked that the story just didn't revolve around Holly as if she was the only one who had challenges to face in life, that it is about being there for other people and helping them through tragic times too. Forgiving, accepting what can't be changed and being able to move on. The story made me laugh so many times, count my blessings and feel gooey and warm inside.
Brilliant characters, gorgeous setting. Everyone should have an Aunt Clara, she is one special lady!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
Aunt Clara is quite a character who along with her merry band of gin drinking accomplices, sets about to give Holly a much-needed self-esteem boost. As dreaded December arrives for Holly so does a special advent calendar from her Aunt. Each day brings a new challenge for Holly, the first is to ask out a complete stranger.
I must admit that I was quite giddy reading some of these chapters and the challenges that Holly had to take on as it was lovely to see how each day she found another piece of herself that had got lost after her mum died. Of course, it isn't just about putting her back together how she was, it is giving her confidence to take a leap of faith too into a future she doesn't yet know.
I really liked that the story just didn't revolve around Holly as if she was the only one who had challenges to face in life, that it is about being there for other people and helping them through tragic times too. Forgiving, accepting what can't be changed and being able to move on. The story made me laugh so many times, count my blessings and feel gooey and warm inside.
Brilliant characters, gorgeous setting. Everyone should have an Aunt Clara, she is one special lady!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
August 31, 2019
Holly Devine heart is broken when she caughts her sister and boyfriend together at a party and discovers they had been seeing each other for weeks.
Feeling sad and betrayed she decides to flee to her Aunt’s cozy cottage to try to find herself again and be happy.
Her Aunt Clara decides to help by creating a handmade advent calendar for Holly, and her first task is to ask out a handsome stranger: Finn Jackson. But as they pass all their time together, Holly's wish to not fall in love and not trust another man again is little by little forgotten.
But as Finn still did not let his love for another woman from his past and his sadness over her go, she begins to doubt that he will someday open up all of himself to her.
This was such a heartwarming Christmas romance and i absolutely loved Holly and Finn and was smiling through all their cute moments. This book made me so happy!!!!!!
I received a free arc copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions here are my own.
Feeling sad and betrayed she decides to flee to her Aunt’s cozy cottage to try to find herself again and be happy.
Her Aunt Clara decides to help by creating a handmade advent calendar for Holly, and her first task is to ask out a handsome stranger: Finn Jackson. But as they pass all their time together, Holly's wish to not fall in love and not trust another man again is little by little forgotten.
But as Finn still did not let his love for another woman from his past and his sadness over her go, she begins to doubt that he will someday open up all of himself to her.
This was such a heartwarming Christmas romance and i absolutely loved Holly and Finn and was smiling through all their cute moments. This book made me so happy!!!!!!
I received a free arc copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions here are my own.
October 9, 2019
This is my third Christmas book in a row. It’s time to take a break now to avoid overload ;), but I guess you know the feeling : you have piles and piles of books. Then a certain author’s name comes up and you know you just have to fit it in. Well, this lady is one of those names. I can’t resist.
To say I enjoyed the book would be a lie. OMG no! I hope I did not scare you too much. I simply meant that the verb ‘enjoy’ is not strong enough to express what I have experienced. I loved it, adored it!
Do you sometimes take a look at yourself and think : Is this the real me? Is your answer yes, everything is wonderful then. Are you hesitating of even respond with a no, then it’s time to take a step back and find out where you lost track. A big step towards a happy feeling is being you and not what other people expect you to be.
So, sit back and enjoy the trip to Sunflower Island. 5 stars.
Thank you, Donna Ashcroft and Bookouture. (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
To say I enjoyed the book would be a lie. OMG no! I hope I did not scare you too much. I simply meant that the verb ‘enjoy’ is not strong enough to express what I have experienced. I loved it, adored it!
Do you sometimes take a look at yourself and think : Is this the real me? Is your answer yes, everything is wonderful then. Are you hesitating of even respond with a no, then it’s time to take a step back and find out where you lost track. A big step towards a happy feeling is being you and not what other people expect you to be.
So, sit back and enjoy the trip to Sunflower Island. 5 stars.
Thank you, Donna Ashcroft and Bookouture. (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
October 6, 2021
Twins Holly and Lucinda were close when they were young, but things fell apart after the death of their mother. When Holly catches her boyfriend kissing Lucinda, she decides she’s had enough and retreats to her beloved, eccentric aunt’s house. Aunt Clara, who had been watching the deterioration of her nieces’ relationship from afar, gives Holly a very special Advent calendar, designed to help Holly figure out what she really wants.
This one didn’t work for me. I never bought into the explanation of exactly how and why Holly felt she had to “hide” herself in order to help Lucinda. I also rolled my eyes at Holly’s rejection of Finn because of his “big lie.” The suitcase wasn’t Holly’s business in the first place and she had no reason to get that wound up about it. The bit about the suitcase and the necklace was just weird - did the family really want it back, or did the sister just want it for herself? I kept expecting there to be more of a story there.
This one didn’t work for me. I never bought into the explanation of exactly how and why Holly felt she had to “hide” herself in order to help Lucinda. I also rolled my eyes at Holly’s rejection of Finn because of his “big lie.” The suitcase wasn’t Holly’s business in the first place and she had no reason to get that wound up about it. The bit about the suitcase and the necklace was just weird - did the family really want it back, or did the sister just want it for herself? I kept expecting there to be more of a story there.
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